'A bit surreal' - Penrice joins Rangers from AEK Athens on loan

Image caption, James Penrice made 32 AEK appearances last season

James Penrice made 32 AEK appearances last season

Left-back James Penrice says joining Rangers on loan from Greek champions AEK Athens - with the Ibrox club having an option to buy - is "a bit surreal".

The 27-year-old Scot previously played in his homeland with Livingston and Hearts after earlier spells with Partick Thistle and East Fife.

Penrice moved to the Greek top flight from Hearts last summer and played 32 times for the side who beat reigning champions Olympiacos to secure their 14th national title. Sixteen of those appearances were starts.

The defender has made more than 300 senior club appearances overall and arrives with fellow left-back Tuur Rommens absent for up to seven weeks with a groin injury.

The deal is subject to international clearance, with Rangers' next game at home to St Mirren in Sunday's League Cup tie (16:00 BST).

"It's a bit surreal," Penrice told club media. "I'm delighted to finally get it done.

"You know what comes with the name. There's only one objective and that's to win stuff. When you don't, there comes pressure. I'm fully aware of what is expected."

Manager Derek McInnes said Penrice would "bolster" his options on the left and "provide competition".

"James already has valuable experience of the Scottish Premiership and understands the demands of the club," he added. "From speaking to him it was clear he is hungry to work hard and continue progressing in his career."

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